Brady inks extension

JIMMY GOLENAP Sports Writer

Published Sunday, May 08, 2005

BOSTON (AP) -- The New England Patriots have signed quarterback Tom Brady to a six-year extension worth $60 million, a deal that for the first time brings the two-time Super Bowl MVP's salary in line with his accomplishments.

The extension was reported by ESPN and confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday night by a football source, speaking on condition of anonymity. Brady had two years left on his previous contract that had a total value of about $30 million -- less than Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning got in signing bonus alone even though Brady has knocked the Colts out of the playoffs in consecutive years.

"I know that when I signed my deal a couple of years ago it was a darn good deal," he said at the Super Bowl this year. "I feel good about the team's commitment and I think they feel good about what I have done for this team and this organization. Hopefully I'll be with the Patriots for a very long time."

Patriots spokesman Stacey James declined comment, and coach Bill Belichick did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Brady's agent, Don Yee, also could not be reached for comment.

A sixth-round draft pick and a fourth-stringer as a rookie, Brady took over the Patriots' starting job when Drew Bledsoe was injured in the 2001 season and has led New England to three Super Bowl victories in four years. Brady was the MVP of the 2002 and 2004 Super Bowls, twice leading the Patriots on game-winning drives in the final minutes.

New England won its third Super Bowl in February, running Brady's playoff record to 9-0.

"The business side of this game is very different than the playing side," Brady said in Jacksonville before leading the Patriots to a 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. "I work hard, I feel I work as hard as anyone in the league, any quarterback. I feel I'm prepared and that's what I really enjoy.

"There is also a team goal of trying to win Super Bowls, which is most important. Anyone that chooses to play on the Patriots realizes that goal supersedes any other individual player goal. You have to make decisions as an individual on whether you want to be a member of this team or not," he said. "I know where my priorities are."